Former US Navy Sailor Sentenced to 17 Years for Espionage Involving China
The US Department of Justice announced on January 12 that Jinchao Wei, a former US Navy sailor, received a severe prison sentence. A federal court sentenced him to 200 months in prison. This term equals nearly 17 years. Wei faced charges of espionage for selling sensitive military information to a Chinese intelligence officer.
Details of the Case and Conviction
Jinchao Wei, who is 25 years old, also went by the name Patrick Wei. A federal jury convicted him in August 2025 after a five-day trial. Authorities arrested Wei in August 2023. He was arriving for work aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Essex at Naval Base San Diego. This base serves as the home for the US Pacific Fleet.
Prosecutors presented a clear case against Wei. They stated he knowingly sold US national defense information. The buyer was an intelligence officer working for the People's Republic of China. Wei received approximately $12,000 in exchange for the sensitive data.
The information he sold was extensive. According to the US Department of Justice, it included thousands of documents. It also contained operating manuals and export-controlled technical data related to US Navy systems. Authorities specified the material involved critical ship systems. These included the ship's weapons, propulsion, and desalination systems. All this information is considered highly sensitive to US military operations.
Wei's Role and Access to Classified Information
Jinchao Wei held a US security clearance. His position as a machinist's mate aboard the USS Essex granted him access to classified information. This access allowed him to gather the sensitive data he later sold.
The USS Essex is a significant vessel in the US Navy. Amphibious assault ships like the Essex resemble small aircraft carriers. They play a key role in US military strategy. These ships enable the US to project power across regions. They deploy Marines and maintain a forward military presence. Officials consider them a cornerstone of the Navy's amphibious readiness and expeditionary strike capabilities.
US officials emphasized the gravity of Wei's actions. Compromising information related to such vessels directly threatens US military readiness. It also endangers the safety of American service members.
How the Espionage Operation Began
Evidence presented at trial revealed the start of the espionage. A Chinese intelligence officer recruited Wei in February 2022. The initial contact happened through social media. The officer posed as a naval enthusiast to establish a connection.
This relationship developed over time. It eventually transformed into a full intelligence operation. Wei began sharing sensitive information with the officer regularly.
Specific Crimes and Conviction Counts
The federal jury convicted Jinchao Wei on multiple counts. The conviction included six specific charges:
- Conspiracy to commit espionage
- Espionage
- Unlawful export of technical data related to defense articles
- Conspiracy to violate the Arms Export Control Act and International Traffic in Arms Regulations
The jury found Wei not guilty on one count. This was a charge of naturalization fraud.
Official Statements on the Sentence
Senior US officials described the case in strong terms. They called it a serious betrayal of trust. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche issued a statement. He said Wei "betrayed his country and compromised the national security of the United States." Blanche added that the Justice Department would not tolerate such conduct.
Assistant Attorney General John A. Eisenberg also commented. He stated Wei "made a mockery" of his oath. Eisenberg emphasized Wei sold US military secrets "for personal profit."
FBI officials highlighted the broader threat. They said the case underscores the danger posed by insider espionage. US Attorney Adam Gordon provided a final assessment. He said Wei's actions "struck at the heart of our national security." Gordon stated this justified the lengthy prison sentence.
